FINDLAY - Students considering a career in law enforcement can pursue such an opportunity by enrolling in the Basic Peace Officer Academy Training Program this fall at the Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus.

"Owens Community College's collaboration with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission provides educational training for thousands of future law enforcement officials throughout Ohio," said Gary Brinker, Owens Coordinator of Public Service Training Programs. "Students who successfully complete the College's Basic Peace Officer Academy Training Program will become eligible for certification as an Ohio peace officer after taking a state test."

During the seven-month program, Owens police academy students will take courses in patrol operations, firearms, defensive tactics and criminal investigation using modern, high-tech police equipment. Participants will receive expert instruction from local police officers, sheriff's deputies and corrections officers, as well as state and federal agents.

According to Brinker, coursework earned by police academy graduates will apply toward an associate degree at Owens in law enforcement. "Police academy graduates will be able to take the remaining credit requirements by attending classes on the College's Toledo-area or Findlay-area campuses," he said.

Brinker added, "Students who graduate from the College's police academy program can be found serving as law enforcement officials throughout Northwest Ohio."

Upon completion of the program, each student will receive a certificate from Owens' Workforce and Community Services. Curriculum for the Owens police academy is approved by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission.
All requirements of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission must be met for certification. Applications for academy classes should be completed and returned to the College between now and June 10. Police Academy Program classes begin on Monday, August 22.

For more information, or to obtain an application packet, call (567) 429-3609 or 1- 800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 3609.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 130 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor's degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university.